POLICE dogs and a helicopter have been dispatched in the search for a man who has gone missing from a psychiatric hospital.

James Murphy, 28, was last seen by staff at Glasgow's Leverndale Hospital at around 11.05am this morning.

Despite extensive inquiries by officers, including the force helicopter and dog branch, there have been no sightings of Mr Murphy since this morning and police, staff at the hospital and family members are becoming increasingly concerned for his safety, police said.

Sergeant Derek Orr, of Pollok Police Office, said: "James has been dealing with some personal issues and there is concern that he may be feeling quite distressed at the moment.

"He has been missing before and been traced to the Paisley Road West area.

"I would appeal to anyone who has been him, or who has any information about his whereabouts, to contact Pollok Police Office or the police non-emergency number 101."